Chemical sensors, augmented reality and innovation to measure air quality

Chemical sensors, augmented reality and state-of-the-art technology to monitor and obtain real-time information on air quality. All at 'low costs'. This is what is envisaged in the agreement signed by ENEA with the start-up company E-roundme for the creation of the new instrument called Ismuse (Iot smart multi sensors device) with the use of latest-generation sensors and advanced technologies such as Mems (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems), Internet of Things (IoT) and augmented reality.

"In order to strengthen technology transfer from our laboratories to industry, a proof of concept programme has been launched, of which the ISMuSe project is one of the results,' explains Alessandro Coppola, head of ENEA's Technology Transfer Directorate. 'The programme aims to raise the level of technological maturity of patented technologies, promoting collaboration with industrial partners such as E-roundme srl.

What characterises the new instrument is its high performance and low cost, as well as its sustainable design, and also 'its ability to enable precise and innovative environmental monitoring'.

In this process, the latest generation of chemical sensors also play an important role. These are, as researcher Fabio Zara points out, 'important tools for the continuous and instantaneous monitoring of environmental pollution, but also for controlling the sustainability of chemical processes. 'In particular, sensors based on ceramic semiconductors have high performance and low production costs, thanks to advanced nanomaterials developed by ENEA,' the researcher argues. 'These devices can also be used to make complex miniaturised instruments, such as electronic noses and multiple integrated sensors.